Is Baked Ham healthy?

Baked ham is an excellent source of protein and essential minerals like selenium. However, it is typically high in sodium and can be high in saturated fat. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially for special occasions.

Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham. They often cook more quickly than bone-in varieties, so be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions and rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.

How do I know when the ham is done?

The most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Since the ham is already fully cooked, you are simply reheating it. The final target internal temperature after glazing should be 140°F (60°C).

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop before brushing it onto the ham.

How should I store leftover ham?

Store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Home / Recipes / american / Baked Ham

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Baked Ham

POPULARITY

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

9/10

A show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday meal. This juicy, tender ham is baked with a sweet and tangy brown sugar and mustard glaze that caramelizes into a beautiful crust. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

PREP

10m

COOK

140m

SERVES

200 G

882 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 10 servings

4.5 kgfully cooked spiral-cut bone-in ham · Approximately 10 lbs1 cupbrown sugar · Packed½ cuphoney¼ cupdijon mustard¼ cuppineapple juice¼ tspground cloves1 pinchground cinnamon1 cupwater · For the roasting pan

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

882

CALORIES · 200 G

Protein96g · 44%

Carbs54g · 24%

Fat33g · 34%

Fiber0g

Sodium5329mg

Potassium1349mg

Phosphorus961mg

How we calculate →

INSTRUCTIONS

5 steps. 140 minutes total.

5 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Ham and Oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- c.Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to take the chill off.
- d.Place the ham, cut-side down, in a large roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan to create steam and keep the ham moist.
- e.Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2
Step 2
- a.Initial Baking
- b.Place the ham in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound.
- c.For a 10 lb (4.5 kg) ham, this will be approximately 2 hours. The goal is to heat it until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) reads 120°F (50°C).
3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Glaze
- b.While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, ground cloves, and cinnamon.
- c.Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- d.Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Step 4
- a.Glaze and Finish Baking
- b.After the initial baking time, carefully remove the ham from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Remove the aluminum foil. Using a pastry brush, apply about half of the warm glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get it between the spiral slices.
- d.Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 10 minutes.
- e.Remove the ham again, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized, and the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Carefully transfer the glazed ham to a large cutting board or serving platter.
- c.Loosely tent the ham with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- d.Carve the ham away from the bone and serve warm.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
A spiral-cut ham is convenient as it's pre-sliced, making carving and serving much easier.
2
Don't skip the resting step! It's crucial for a juicy, tender result.
3
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Since the ham is already cooked, you're just heating it through.
4
If the glaze starts to get too dark, loosely tent the ham with foil for the remaining baking time.
5
Save the ham bone to make a delicious split pea soup or to flavor stocks and greens.
6
Leftover ham is fantastic in sandwiches, omelets, salads, or pasta dishes.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Glaze Flavor

Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different flavor profile. You can also use orange juice or apple cider instead of pineapple juice.

Spice Profile

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat, or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for extra warmth.

Classic Garnish

For a traditional, retro presentation, stud the ham with whole cloves and garnish with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries before the final glazing.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

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Excellent Source of Protein

Ham provides high-quality protein essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.

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Rich in B Vitamins

It is a good source of several B vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, and B6, which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting metabolic health.

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Provides Essential Minerals

Ham contains important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and phosphorus, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A 200g serving of this Baked Ham contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the specific cut of ham and the amount of glaze absorbed.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

american·25 min·615 cal

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Baked Ham

For 10 servings

5 steps. 140 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5